blog post Testimony: Implementing SGMA at Ground Zero—Challenges and Opportunities for the San Joaquin Valley By Ellen Hanak, Alvar Escriva-Bou Feb 15, 2022 PPIC Water Policy Center director Ellen Hanak testified before an informational hearing on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act in Sacramento today (February 15, 2022). Read her prepared remarks.
blog post Are California’s Cities Conserving Enough Water? By Alvar Escriva-Bou, Kurt Schwabe, Annabelle Rosser Dec 13, 2021 As Californians eye the possibility of a third year of drought, there’s been some concern that urban residents are backsliding around water conservation, especially compared with the last major drought. We examine what cities are doing well—and where they could improve.
Report Keeping College Affordable for California Students By Kevin Cook, Jacob Jackson Dec 1, 2021 California’s financial aid programs reduce tuition for most students. But the state and its higher education institutions can improve college access and success by providing additional aid to lower-income students, addressing growing non-tuition costs, and eliminating barriers that increase the time it takes to earn a degree.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Economic Well-Being By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Rachel Lawler, Deja Thomas Nov 9, 2021 Our latest survey examines views on the state’s economy as well as residents’ perspectives on their employment and personal finances.
blog post The Current Drought: Time to Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst By Alvar Escriva-Bou, Ellen Hanak Nov 8, 2021 Last month’s atmospheric river brought California some much-needed rain. But our new analysis shows it would take an exceptionally wet year to lift the state out of drought conditions.
Report Police Use of Force and Misconduct in California By Deepak Premkumar, Alexandria Gumbs, Shannon McConville, Renee Hsia Oct 26, 2021 Nearly 200 Californians die each year in police encounters. Amid growing concern over civilian deaths and racial injustice, we examine what the existing data can—and cannot—tell us about police use of force and misconduct. We also offer recommendations for strengthening the state’s ongoing efforts to improve police transparency and accountability.
Report Racial Disparities in Law Enforcement Stops By Magnus Lofstrom, Joseph Hayes, Brandon Martin, Deepak Premkumar Oct 13, 2021 Recent debate over police reforms has centered on how law enforcement engages with people of color, prompted by continuing concerns over racial inequities in criminal justice. In our analysis of data for nearly 4 million stops, we examine how interactions—ranging from search to use of force—differ for Black and white people, while considering factors such as stop context and law enforcement agency.
blog post Expansions to Food Assistance Could Reduce Child Poverty By Caroline Danielson, Tess Thorman Oct 1, 2021 Long-term commitments to expand CalFresh and school meals, two of California’s largest food assistance programs, could lift an estimated 90,000 children out of poverty.
blog post Pandemic Aid Helped Lower Poverty in California By Caroline Danielson Sep 24, 2021 Despite the economic disruptions resulting from COVID-19, poverty declined in California last year—though stark racial/ethnic disparities remain.
Report Groundwater and Urban Growth in the San Joaquin Valley By Andrew Ayres, Ellen Hanak, Henry McCann, David Mitchell ... Sep 15, 2021 As the San Joaquin Valley addresses groundwater overdraft under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), its urban utilities face unique challenges. Learn how to ensure a smooth transition for the region’s residents.
